Good news for the eradication of Indian crows from coastal locations in Kenya. After the lifting of the import ban on Starlicide poison, which some 25 years ago had drastically reduced the presence of the non-indigenous, but pest and nuisance bird, as well as harmful to other tropical species, the environmental association Arocha in Watamu has started testing the product and has been able to verify its efficiency.
This week the tests will be repeated in Malindi and then the operation to eliminate the so-called housecrows can proceed.
At this point, however, it takes everyone's help to be able to purchase large doses of Starlicide, not least because being able to import a whole container of it, for example, reduces the price dramatically. Any business should get involved and participate, either by asking Arocha directly (you can contact project coordinator Eric Kinoti on +254 718 422487) or by sending a contribution to Arocha directly, through the channels and payment methods you will find at the bottom of this article. Some hotels in Watamu have already joined and others are mobilising, to finally eradicate this scourge that affects everyone.

"For some time we have been baiting two sites in Watamu and on Tuesday we put the poison in one of the sites and not the other to compare the difference. About 100 crows came to take the poisoned bait (including some that took away bait to feed the chicks in the nests) and about 80 crows to the second site. On Thursday morning alone... only 2 crows turned up and then 3 more, making a total of 5 crows survived the poisoning! At the second site, which was not poisoned, the number of crows was normal. I am certain that we managed to kill about 100 crows. This is very good news and means that we can continue to experiment with how to manage several sites consecutively,' they say from Arocha.
The project has also started in Malindi and they hope to be able to announce the first 'poisoning' very soon. Another 2-3 sites are also being identified and prepared in Watamu.
"We are grateful for the support we have received so far," continue Arocha, "thanks to all those who have made donations. We have received funds from a wide range of sources and our finance team is working on the accounts that we will share, but in total we have received about 3.3 million shillings out of a total budget of 16 million for the year.
With the poisoning about to begin in earnest, we urgently need additional funds for its success and especially to extend the work beyond Watamu. The poison we have is only 1.5 kg and must be used quickly because it has reached the end of its shelf life (although it still retains its toxicity at the moment). We therefore need to order more poison now - and the manufacturer told us he has enough ingredients to produce 2 kg if payment (1.3 million) can be received by the end of August.
We have contacted KAA and some airlines, who have invited us to submit a proposal, but more will be needed, both for capital costs (poison, buying a car, etc.) and for regular, monthly donations, such as those that six hotels in Watamu (Turtle Bay, Temple Point, Hemingways, Ocean Sports, Medina Palms, Watamu Beach Cottages) have been making since November. Even Kshs 1,000 per month from individuals and other entities will make a big difference."

For those who want to donate directly through Mpesa to A Rocha:

Paybill: 303030 (ABSA bank)
Acc: 0121008254

IMPORTANT: send the confirmation sms to the project coordinator, Eric Kinoti +254 718 422487, so that we can keep track of all receipts.

3) Bank details for direct / online donations to the Crows No More project!

Bank name: Absa Bank Kenya
Branch name: Malindi
Account Name: Centro A Rocha Kenya Mwamba
Account number: 0121008254

Please ensure that there is a reference to "Crows No More".
If so, you can send proof of payment to and so that we can keep track of all donations.

Together you can not only do it, but it is your only chance to get rid of the annoying crow infestation.
Otherwise, go ahead and infest the Kenyan coast with your useless complaints.